Three free agents Barcelona should consider signing in the summer

4 days ago 2

As Barcelona look ahead to the summer transfer window, planning is already centred around realism rather than luxury.

Financial limits remain tight, and that means free agents will once again be a key pillar of squad building.

For a coach like Hansi Flick, who values intensity, structure and tactical clarity, the right profile matters far more than the transfer fee.

Barcelona need players who can deliver immediately, understand positional discipline and raise the competitive level inside the squad.

With that in mind, here are three free agents Barcelona should genuinely consider if the market allows it.

Dusan Vlahovic: A true number nine for Flick’s system

Barcelona’s lack of a dominant striker has been one of the biggest sporting gaps the team will face once Robert Lewandowski departs. And Vlahovic would instantly address that issue.

Vlahovic could be Lewandowski’s replacement. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

He is physical, aggressive and direct, offering something very different from the profiles Barça currently rely on.

Vlahovic thrives inside the penalty area. He attacks crosses, occupies centre-backs and finishes chances with minimal touches.

Under Flick, who prefers vertical football and quick attacking sequences, the Serbian forward would give Barcelona a clear focal point.

His movement would open space for wide players and attacking midfielders, something Barça have often struggled to create.

Equally important is his work rate. Vlahovic presses defenders, competes in duels and does not shy away from physical battles.

Flick demands intensity without the ball, and Vlahovic fits that requirement naturally.

As a free agent, he would represent a rare opportunity to solve Barcelona’s striker problem without a massive upfront cost.

Marcos Senesi: Balance and control for Barcelona’s defence

Marcos Senesi would fulfil a major requirement at Barcelona. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Defensive balance remains a concern for Barcelona, especially on the left side of central defence, which is why Senesi is a profile that makes sense.

Left-footed, calm and tactically intelligent, he brings stability rather than chaos.

Senesi’s biggest strength is his reading of the game. He anticipates danger early, wins aerial duels and is comfortable stepping out with the ball.

For a Barcelona side that builds from the back, that ability is essential. His passing may not be flashy, but it is safe and efficient, which helps maintain structure under pressure.

It is known that Barcelona are missing a left-footed defender and they have been trying to solve this issue since Inigo Martinez’s departure last summer. However, no profile has stood out yet.

As such, under Flick, who prioritises compact defending and clear roles, Senesi would offer reliability.

He may not grab headlines, but he would reduce errors and bring consistency – something Barcelona’s back line has lacked in decisive moments.

On a free transfer, he would be a low-risk addition with immediate value.

Leon Goretzka: Experience, power and familiarity with Flick

Barcelona’s midfield is talented but unbalanced. While there is quality, the physical and tactical demands of Flick’s system expose weaknesses and this season, Marc Casado has not quite reached the level expected of him.

Goretzka has a history with Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Casado’s energy is clear, but his influence in big matches and positional discipline have dipped, leaving Flick short of a commanding presence in central areas, especially when the likes of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are unavailable.

This is where Goretzka comes in. Powerful, experienced and tactically aware, he offers something Barcelona currently lack – a midfielder who can dominate physically while still contributing offensively.

His history with Flick is crucial. Under Flick, Goretzka played some of the best football of his career, thriving in a high-intensity, pressing-based system.

Goretzka’s ability to arrive late in the box, win duels and cover large spaces would instantly raise Barcelona’s midfield level.

He understands Flick’s demands, pressing triggers and positional responsibilities, meaning his adaptation would be minimal.

As a free agent, he would also provide leadership and experience in big European nights, something Barcelona desperately need.

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